Otago Daily Times:

Another 40 pateke to be released

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Forty brown teal (pateke) will be released into Fiordland this month following the release of 20 of the birds last year.

Motorists speeding past school buses

Rachel Taylor — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Police in Lawrence are concerned at the number of motorists travelling too fast when passing stationary school buses.

Motorists frustrate farmer

Debbie Porteous — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Karitane farmer Murray Hagan is fed up with people crashing into his fence.

Keeping coast road open could cost council millions

David Bruce — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Large sections of the popular coastal road between Oamaru and Waianakarua via Kakanui may be abandoned by the Waitaki District Council if coastal erosion gets too bad.

Waitaki district does well despite recession

David Bruce — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Waitaki district is prospering despite the world-wide economic recession, doing better than the New Zealand average in economic growth and with a static population.

Rail trail traveller cottages opposed

Rosie Manins — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Proposed traveller accommodation along the Otago Central Rail Trail at Lauder is concerning residents, as well as national, regional, and district-wide organisations.

Gales forecast for parts of Otago

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:59:30 +1300

A severe-weather watch has been issued for Otago, alerting people to the possibility of wind gusts up to 100kmh or more in parts of Clutha and Dunedin this weekend.

Rotary Club plan for track on Sugar Loaf approved

Lynda Van Kempen — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

A walking track on the Sugar Loaf will be "virtually invisible" when completed, the Cromwell Community Board heard this week.

Shooters' cheeky ad catches farmers' attention

Lynda Van Kempen — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

Two "old blokes" from the big smoke have received a warm response to their cheeky advertisement offering their services, free of charge, to help clean up Central Otago's rabbit problem.

Hearing for farm tourism venture

Rosie Manins — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

An independent commissioner will preside over a hearing for a proposed $4 million tourism venture at Cromwell later this month.

Public invited to house-burning

Debbie Porteous — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Rubber-necking will be welcomed - even encouraged - when the Fire Service burns down a house near Milton tomorrow.

Services to Waimate recognised

Sally Rae — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

The voluntary community service of four Waimate district residents has been recognised by the Waimate District Council at its first civic awards.

Approval sought for cancer pilot

Elspeth McLean — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

The Otago and Southland district health boards spend less for day programme activities for the elderly than is spent in other parts of the country.

Trial of water monitors

Rebecca Fox — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

"State of the art" hand-held water quality monitoring devices have been ordered by the Otago Regional Council and will be trialled in the field in coming months.

Taieri rating report due

Rebecca Fox — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

A preliminary report on the rating classification review promised for the Taieri should be presented during the April committee meeting round, Otago Regional Council chief executive Graeme Martin said.

Approval sought for cancer pilot

Elspeth McLean — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Health Minister Tony Ryall's approval will be sought for a year-long pilot scheme which would offer some Otago and Southland public hospital cancer patients the option of paying for unfunded chemotherapy drugs.

Feedback wanted on hall upgrade

David Bruce — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

A concept plan to redevelop the Omarama Hall into a multi-purpose facility and medical centre has been produced for feedback from the community.

Art from junk

Sally Rae — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Nancy Bell's plans to build a cow were scotched when she could not find all the necessary parts to make the head and body.

Meeting to hear plans for salmon

David Bruce — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

A five-member steering committee established to look at riparian enhancement of the Waitaki River, including establishing a salmon hatchery, will present its findings to a public meeting at Glenavy next month.

Concert to mark Race Relations Day

David Bruce — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Race Relations Day is to be celebrated in Oamaru this year with a concert at the Opera House, organised by the Waitaki Multicultural Council.

Cheaper apples not sign of poor quality

Rosie Manins — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Apples selling for $1 a kilogram in Central Otago are not an indication of a poor-quality season, growers say.

New site discovered for bignose galaxias

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

A new site for bignose galaxias has been discovered in springs near the Hakataramea River.

Protectors of Hector's optimistic

Rebecca Fox — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

A recent High Court decision to uphold four of six protection measures for Hector's dolphins has been met with relief by University of Otago marine mammal specialist Associate Prof Liz Slooten.

$1b committed to treaty settlement process

Hamish McNeilly — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Treaty of Waitangi settlements have topped $1 billion, and Ngai Tahu and Waikato-Tainui - the iwi that negotiated ratchet clauses as part of their settlements - are likely to be entitled to further payouts within two years.

Gales likely in Clutha and Dunedin

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:26:00 +1300

Gales look set to hit parts of the Clutha and Dunedin regions during the weekend and early Monday.

'Earlier injustice' to drug dealer recognised

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:02:00 +1300

A young Alexandra man's wrongful conviction on a driving charge four years ago was a major reason for a High Court judge's decision not to send him to prison yesterday for drug dealing.

Ministry moves to tackle knife crime queried

Debbie Porteous — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:01:00 +1300

Suggestions by the Justice Ministry on methods of tackling knife crime have been greeted with cynicism and doubt in the South.

Union concerned at lack of consultation

Rachel Taylor — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The Tertiary Education Union is surprised it was not included earlier in discussions surrounding the proposed merger of Telford Rural Polytechnic and Lincoln University.

Old precinct forging ahead

Rosie Manins — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The last remaining commercial building of Cromwell's original main street is again officially open to the public.

End may be nigh for biblical movie

David Bruce — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The end could be nigh for the North Otago biblical movie Kingdom Come, that has been plagued by financial problems for more than a year.

Council, camp have 40 days to agree

David Bruce — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The chequered history of the Kakanui camping ground may be coming to an end.

Show blooming in Christchurch

Gillian Vine — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Gillian Vine reports from the Ellerslie Flower Show, in Christchurch.

West Coast school refuses access for vaccine

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:22:00 +1300

Hokitika's Westland High School has refused to allow an anti-cancer vaccine to be administered on its premises, a move health bosses say is worrying.

Tertiary cuts starting to bite

Eileen Goodwin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:02:00 +1300

Telford Rural Polytechnic is considering merging with Canterbury's Lincoln University, as the tertiary shake-up and funding cuts squeeze the Balclutha institution.

Big crowd supports blossom festival

Lynda Van Kempen — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:03:00 +1300

The Alexandra Blossom Festival has a heartbeat again, judging by the groundswell of support shown by more than 350 people who flocked to a meeting in the town last night to decide the event's future.

Life-changing gift inspired

Rachel Taylor — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Hitching a ride to Dunedin with her best friend's husband inspired Jane Blair to donate a kidney.

Books for prisoners

Rachel Taylor — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Prisoner aid and rehabilitation society Otago volunteer Rosemary Elder buys books by the arm-load at the fifth annual Rotary and Inner Wheel book sale, being held this week in the Balclutha Memorial Hall.

Cricket: North Otago seeking to buck trend in Hawke Cup challenge

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

North Otago will be hoping to buck a losing trend when it makes its fourth Hawke Cup challenge in a three-day game against holder Manawatu in Palmerston North this weekend.

Draft plan agreed; open for comment

David Bruce — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

An overall rates rise of 1.8% has been approved by the Waitaki District Council in its draft 2010-11 annual plan, which will now go out for public comment.

Cork pops on promising wine harvest

Lynda Van Kempen — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The Central Otago wine harvest got off to a sparkling start yesterday.

Rider was on learner licence

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

An Alexandra man is awaiting sentence for an incident in which his wife died last September 5.

Trust will promote arts in Central Otago

Nigel Benson — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

The Central Otago District Arts Trust will hold its first meeting at Central Stories today.

Shorter drug, alcohol programme at prison

Rachel Taylor — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

A new drug treatment programme that staff describe as "the way forward" began at the Otago Corrections Facility at Milburn this week.

Search for 'distinctive' vehicle

Lynda Van Kempen — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

The theft of the Cromwell Scrap Metal Recyclers' "mobile office" has dealt the business a severe blow.

Alleged teen tagger's family reports him to police

Rosie Manins — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Police are thanking members of a local family who may have helped bring a 16-year-old youth to justice for a spate of tagging in the town.

Fire may have started in smoko room

Rosie Manins — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:55:00 +1300

A fire which gutted three businesses and a home in Ranfurly on Monday is thought to have started in an automobile workshop smoko room.

Vessel rescue dash 'works out perfectly'

Rachel Taylor — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:30:00 +1300

A four-hour rescue dash early yesterday from Stewart Island to Curio Bay "worked out perfectly", according to the skipper of the boat which towed a fellow Bluff fishing vessel to safety.

Head girl aims to empower others

John Lewis — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

When Dara Caradus found out she was this year's head girl at Otago Girls High School, she was "shell-shocked" to say the least.

Nurses honoured

David Bruce — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Nurses who trained or worked at Oamaru Hospital and served New Zealand in wars overseas have finally been recognised, with a plaque unveiled on Monday.

Hospital cuts loss

David Bruce — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Waitaki District Health Services, operator of the Oamaru Hospital, has recorded a small loss for the first six months of this year and hopes to at least break even at the end of the financial year, despite forecasting a major deficit.

Driver unaware load of straw ablaze

David Bruce — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

A North Otago truck driver did not realise his load of straw was on fire until a motorist following him signalled him to pull over in Weston.

Dunback bungalow burns

Hamish McNeilly — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Fire appliances from Waikouaiti and Palmerston and a Rural Fire water-tanker were called to a "well-involved" fire in a Dunback Rd wooden bungalow shortly before 5pm.

Police reassure public

Rosie Manins — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Residents are "perfectly safe" and Cromwell does not have a skinhead problem, police say.

Canterbury Water plan hits rates

David Bruce — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

An overall rates increase of 8.7% is being proposed by Environment Canterbury (ECan) in the 2010-11 draft annual plan the regional council will be asked to adopt tomorrow.

Mother acts to stop daughter killing her baby

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:34:00 +1300

A Southland baby owes its life to its grandmother who intervened during her own daughter's attempt to kill the child.

Fishing boat runs aground in Catlins

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +1300

A fishing boat has gone aground at Curio Bay, on the coast off the Catlins, and an attempt will be made later today to tow it free.

Police to set up base in town

Rachel Taylor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +1300

A community constable base is to be set up in Kaitangata as police continue investigations into suspicious fires in the South Otago town recently.

Good stick returns to ensure trials special

Sally Rae — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Warren Brown is never short of a stick.

Nominal date for dairy farm challenge

David Bruce — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

A nominal date next month has been set for the High Court at Timaru to consider a challenge against the Waitaki District Council approving resource consents and compliance certificates for 16 new dairy farms in the Omarama and Ohau areas.

Council likely to confirm draft plan

David Bruce — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

The Waitaki District Council is likely to approve tomorrow a draft budget with a 1.8% rate rise in the next financial year, but the final figure will depend on what the community thinks.

Support floods in for bus driver cleared of assault

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

A school-bus driver charged with assaulting a 12-year-old passenger has been inundated with support after news the case was thrown out of court.

Ranfurly blaze not suspicious

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:08:00 +1300

A fire which destroyed a garage in the Maniototo town of Ranfurly early this morning was not suspicious, the Fire Service says.

Fire crews battle big Ranfurly blaze

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:05:42 +1300

Fire crews have managed to bring under control a fire which has destroyed Ranfurly's main car workshop early today.

Rowers mourn 'genuinely good bloke'

Lynda Van Kempen — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:05:00 +1300

A blessing service was held at Lake Dunstan last night a few hours after the body of a missing rower was recovered from the lake.

Symposium hears the coast is not clear

John Lewis — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

A symposium aimed at protecting Otago's coastline has given about 60 people food for thought.

New church on the way

Rachel Taylor — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

The Clydevale Presbyterian Church congregation is waiting for the arrival of a new multipurpose church building after closing the doors of the old church for the last time on February 28.

Pullar wins stamina event

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Keegan Pullar, of Dunedin, won the Oamaru Stamina Event yesterday by a four-minute margin.

Restored waiting room rail trail attraction

Rosie Manins — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Enhancement of a historic amenity along the Otago Central Rail Trail is continuing at Galloway, making trail users and locals alike stop and take notice.

Cheering on the winners

Lynda Van Kempen — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Thousands of people turned out for "Vignerons' Race Day" at Cromwell yesterday keen to taste some local wines and cheer on dozens of fast horses.

Councils form united front

David Bruce — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

A new way to manage Canterbury's water resources now has the support of all 10 district and city councils in Canterbury, including the Waitaki District Council.

Community clubs get together

Sally Rae — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:50:00 +1300

Members of the public had an opportunity to explore Oamaru's Opera House and learn about different clubs and organisations during the annual Club Day on Saturday.

Climbers on Mt Cook safe

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:28:00 +1300

Rescuers have received confirmation the two climbers who spent two nights on Mt Cook/Aoraki in sub-zero temperatures are safe and due to walk out of the national park today.

Missing Lake Dunstan rower is local man (70)

Lynda Van Kempen — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:35:54 +1300

Police dive squad members are helping in the search for a 70-year-old local man who disappeared after falling into Lake Dunstan today.

Climbers give rescuers the thumbs up sign

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:22:00 +1300

Two climbers waiting to be rescued on Mt Cook have given a rescue helicopter the thumbs up sign to indicate they are in good shape.

'Prescribe less' plea to doctors

Elspeth McLean — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:02:00 +1300

A letter urging Otago and Southland general practitioners to show restraint when prescribing medicines - in a move to save money - should be retracted, the New Zealand Pharmacy Guild says.

School confident Wi-Fi system safe

Rachel Taylor — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:01:00 +1300

Scan staff action may affect elective surgery

Elspeth McLean — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:01:00 +1300

Planned industrial action by medical radiation technologists could affect the Otago District Health Board's ability to meet its elective surgery targets, chief executive Brian Rousseau says.

Community gain after XT pain

Hamish McNeilly — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Thank you very much for your kind donation, Telecom. The company yesterday announced $250,000 funding for South Island community projects, after the failures of its XT network.

A little lamb goes a way to help fund new teacher

Sally Rae — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

It's lambing time at Palmerston Primary School.

Gillies land parcel on market

David Bruce — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The last business link with the Gillies family, which played a major role in the development of Oamaru from the 1920s, is being offered for sale.

Response to dairy farms appeal not yet decided

David Bruce — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The Waitaki District Council has not yet decided what it will do about High Court action opposing its decision to grant approval for 16 new dairy farms in the Omarama and Ohau areas.

Race 'tote ladies' real stayers

Lynda Van Kempen — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

A small group of women who devote more than 50 days a year to attending races throughout Otago and Southland say they know far more about punters than about horseflesh.

Rabbit numbers up again

Lynda Van Kempen — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

A dry year has provided "optimum" breeding conditions for rabbits and numbers are creeping back up, Otago Regional Council regional services group manager Jeff Donaldson says.

Irrigation schemes meeting 'encouraging'

Lynda Van Kempen — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

A meeting between Central Otago leaders and the Minister of Agriculture yesterday about support for irrigation development was "encouraging" Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson says.

ECan offers plan in wake of sacking call

David Bruce — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Environment Canterbury has put up its own proposals to retain its elected council in the wake of a critical Government report which recommends its council be sacked and replaced with an appointed commission.

Health boards seek pledge on network

Eileen Goodwin — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

Telecom and its troubled XT network has been put on notice by the Otago and Southland district health boards.

Otago marine protection symposium part of Seaweek

Rebecca Fox — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

A symposium to discuss issues around marine protection in Otago is just one of the events being held to mark Seaweek in Dunedin.

Rally going from strength to strength

David Bruce — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

Motorcycles of all shapes, sizes and costs were heading for Waimate yesterday in what organisers hope will be the biggest March Hare rally in the 24 years it has been running.

Heading and hunting for 125 years

Sally Rae — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

The Waitaki Collie Dog Club will hold its 125th anniversary trials at Hakataramea tomorrow and Monday. Sally Rae meets some of the people involved with the club, which has a long, proud history.

Parade tribute for former organiser

Catherine Pattison — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

The patron of the Otago Jaguar Drivers Club 24 years ago, when the first Best of British Charity Motoring Day in the country was held in Otago, is in for a special tribute tomorrow.

Rare gun dug up in Otago

John Lewis — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

A "metal bar" protruding from a mound of dirt in the back yard of Dee Carmichael's Waikouaiti house looked banal enough for several months, until she decided to level the pile.

Focus on aviation safety

David Bruce — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

North Otago pilots have learnt more about flying over mountainous terrain after a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) seminar held at the North Otago Aero Club on Thursday night.

Marquee on course for club's celebration

David Bruce — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Kurow Golf Club will play host to nearly double its membership in its clubhouse this weekend.

Bother over blocked toilets

David Bruce — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

The pressure being placed on Hampden's public toilets is causing a headache for the town's hall committee and it wants help from the Waitaki District Council to resolve the problem.

Whitestone's 23 reasons to say cheese

David Bruce — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Whitestone Cheese picked up 23 medals at this year's national cheese awards, including six golds.

Life member still loves trials and 'having a yarn'

Sally Rae — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Mona Fraser has the unusual distinction of serving on both the men's and ladies' committees of the Waitaki Collie Dog Club.

Fire brigade fourth in rescue challenge

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Cromwell's volunteer fire brigade finished fourth in the United Fire Brigades Association of New Zealand (UFBA) national road crash rescue challenge held over three days at Christchurch this week.

Health chiefs decide heads it's Invercargill

Elspeth McLean — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

A toss of a coin has determined that the first meeting of the new Southern District Health Board will be in Invercargill on May 6, Otago chairman Errol Millar advised yesterday.

Police step up arson inquiry

Rachel Taylor — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The hunt for the culprits in a recent spate of arsons in Kaitangata was stepped up yesterday, when 18 police officers went door-to-door making their inquiries in the township.

Draining wetlands criticised

Rebecca Fox — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Fish and Game Otago is calling for answers as to why some wetlands are being drained and their vegetation destroyed in South Otago.

Fishing guides back regulation moves

Rebecca Fox — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Professional fishing guides are more than happy to hear the Otago Fish and Game Council is strongly supporting the proposal to advance the introduction of a licence for commercial game-bird hunters and anglers.

Housework plan held up

Eileen Goodwin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The Otago and Southland District Health Boards have stalled on plans to cut housework help.

Group to put case to minister today

Lynda Van Kempen — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

New irrigation schemes in Central Otago and upgrades of existing schemes will create 500 jobs and add $40 million to the district's gross domestic product, district leaders will tell the Minister of Agriculture today.

Plans to celebrate gold rush

Rosie Manins — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Promote Dunstan is spearheading plans to celebrate the 150th anniversary of gold being found in the Cromwell Gorge.

Accident blamed on bird

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Cromwell police are investigating a single-vehicle crash in which a 24-year-old Dunedin woman lost control of a Subaru vehicle on State Highway 8 in the Cromwell Gorge about 11.30am yesterday.

Ranfurly festival draws crowd

Rosie Manins — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

About 2000 people attended the 10th Ranfurly Art Deco Festival last weekend, organisers said.

Concerns raised about Phoenix Centre programme

John Lewis — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

An independent review of the Phoenix Centre shows there are significant concerns about the effectiveness of the service - not only within the Ministry of Education, but also among some schools, health and social services, and Resource Teachers of Learning and Behaviour.

Wells to be sampled

David Bruce — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

About 40 wells in the Waitaki Valley between Duntroon and Otematata are being surveyed this month by Environment Canterbury (ECan) as part of a groundwater study aimed at providing information on the state of Canterbury's water resources.

Children sought for camp break

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

Staff at the Roxburgh Children's Health Camp are calling for last-minute applications to its second school holiday programme intended to give children in care and their helpers a one-week break.

Rink survives extreme power charges threat

Rosie Manins — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

Alexandra's outdoor ice rink and sporting complex will open this winter despite an uncertain long-term future due to crippling power costs.

Toast to waste treatment

Rachel Taylor — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

A new wastewater treatment facility at Fonterra's Stirling plant is giving a radical shake-up to the traditional "solution by dilution" philosophy surrounding industrial wastewater issues.

'Fairly unrealistic targets' in report

John Lewis — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Anger continues to boil over in Otago secondary schools about the closure of the Phoenix Centre, with one principal raising questions about whether the independent report was just a formality.

Fifty clubs combine

David Bruce — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

About 50 clubs are taking part in a free community event to promote their organisations: the annual Club Day, in the Opera House tomorrow.

Groups launch Lend A Hand fund

Rosie Manins — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Trustpower's Lend A Hand Foundation has been launched in Central Otago as a joint initiative with the Cromwell, Alexandra, and Roxburgh Rotary clubs.

Contract signals new way of helping youth

John Lewis — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

It was a day Dame Patricia Harrison thought would never come.

Wetland to be enhanced

Rebecca Fox — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Fish and Game Otago says it intends to develop a large wetland at Henley.

Community sentence for 'reckless' act

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

"A random act of gross recklessness" was how Judge Stephen O'Driscoll yesterday described the actions of a young woman who threw herself in front of a truck in Oamaru last year.

Angler's lottery win capped by big haul

David Bruce — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Kevin Coutts is on a lucky streak. On Tuesday, the 74-year-old Dunedin man was told he had won a $51,000 boat in a national lottery.

Plea for community board to rescue Blossom Festival

Lynda Van Kempen — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Alexandra's Daphne Hull, who served for seven years as Blossom Festival chairwoman, says she would be devastated if the festival folded and has urged the Vincent Community Board to come to the rescue.

Chairman declines comment

Lynda Van Kempen — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The 2009 Blossom Festival chairman, Steve Battrick, has declined to debate the festival's financial woes through the media but says he is happy to discuss the matter "one on one" with anyone.

Libraries key to learning

David Bruce — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

Libraries hold the key to improving literacy in New Zealand, a conference was told in Oamaru yesterday.

New Kiwis swear oath

Rosie Manins — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

Allegiance was made to New Zealand by six former United Kingdom residents at a citizenship ceremony in Alexandra yesterday.

Fishing for tuna too nice to turn down

Marjorie Cook — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Wanaka reporter Marjorie Cook was angling for a different story, but the lure of catching tuna off the West Coast proved too much of an attraction.

Sentence for theft of breath-testing device during alleged assault

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

A young man who stole a breath-testing device, which was dropped by a police constable as the officer was allegedly being assaulted, was sentenced to 75 hours' community work when he appeared in the Oamaru District Court yesterday.

Making a splash

Lynda Van Kempen — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

The Arrowtown Primary School relay team, Ben Hull (10), Rose Wood (12), Bailey Saville (12), and Charlotte Hall (12), competed in the Central Otago Primary Schools Swimming Sports yesterday at Cromwell.

Rest-home entry gets harder

Elspeth McLean — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:03:00 +1300

In another move to cut spending on the elderly in Otago and Southland, people referred to rest-homes in future will be "stood down" for about six months to see if they can be supported at home.

Festival should go back to basics, Macpherson says

Lynda Van Kempen — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:02:00 +1300

The Alexandra Blossom Festival is far from dead, Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson says.

Demonstrating a real feel for cooking

Rachel Taylor — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The kitchen can be a dangerous place, full of hot and sharp objects, which is bad enough when you can see. How do blind people manage?

Effluent discharge brings big fines

David Bruce — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

A Waiareka Valley dairy farm company, one of its directors and the farm manager have been fined a total of $48,100 for illegally discharging dairy effluent and applying too much irrigation water.

Councillor taking a stand for toilets

David Bruce — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

"We're a tourist town and we should have them available," is Waitaki district councillor Peter Garvan's reaction to a proposal to close several public toilets in Oamaru.

Dunedin, Balclutha, break records for sunniest February

Rebecca Fox — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

Dunedin and Balclutha have broken decades-long records with their sunniest February.

Still $2.3m over budget

Elspeth McLean — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

Despite progress on moves to save money on community care for the elderly, the Otago District Health Board still expects to be over budget in this area by $2.3 million this financial year.

Some day surgery delayed

Eileen Goodwin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

Some patients scheduled to undergo day surgery requiring a general anaesthetic at Dunedin Hospital have been put off or sent to other hospitals due to a shortage of anaesthetists.

Measures to curb truancy

Ellie Constantine — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

As the Government plans to crack down on the 30,000 pupils wagging school nationwide each day, a proactive approach and strong relationships have been credited with keeping truancy levels low in Otago.

Rural health focus of new Farry trust

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

A rural education trust in recognition of the late Dr Pat Farry is to be launched at the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network conference in Christchurch next week.

Abuse trail leads from eastern Europe to Otago

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

An Interpol investigation into the downloading of child-abuse images on to a Croatian astronomy group's website led to the appearance of a 51-year-old Otago man in the Dunedin District Court yesterday.

No anger at receivership

David Bruce — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

New Zealand Malt Whisky Company owner Warren Preston is not angry his company has been placed in receivership after a tumultuous three weeks.

Oamaru harbour regatta planned

David Bruce — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Boats of all shapes, sizes and ages will be included in an Oamaru Harbour regatta being planned by a group of enthusiasts for this month, an event they hope will become a big annual attraction.

Charges follow burglary

Rosie Manins — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Three Cromwell residents have been arrested and charged with various offences, in relation to a burglary in the town on Sunday.

Firefighters battle blaze

Rosie Manins — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

More than 20 volunteer firefighters from Roxburgh and Millers Flat spent almost four hours extinguishing a blaze and dampening hot spots on private property near the Clutha River at Dumbarton early yesterday.

Sunk vessel's 500 litres of diesel hopefully contained

Rebecca Fox — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

A diesel spill from a recreational fishing vessel which sank at its berth at the Riverton wharf on Sunday night has dispersed.

Fire chief fears arsonist's next move

Rachel Taylor — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

With most derelict buildings in Kaitangata now gone, there are fears an arsonist's focus may turn to occupied houses.

Drivers flown to hospital after collision

Rachel Taylor — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Two people were flown to Dunedin Hospital by rescue helicopter after a two-car collision on Clutha Valley Rd west of Balclutha yesterday, just before 4pm.

Children support bashed constable

Sally Rae — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The Oamaru police constable who was knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked after a young motorist failed a breath test will return to work next week.

Pair sought after teen beaten

Sally Rae — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

A 16-year-old youth received hospital treatment after he was assaulted by two young men at the North Otago A and P showgrounds on Friday night.

Irrigation body on Otago tour

Lynda Van Kempen — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Irrigation New Zealand is on a three-day tour of Otago to learn more about the region's water challenges.

Alexandra Blossom Festival 'dead'

Lynda Van Kempen — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The Alexandra Blossom Festival is insolvent and the future of the event hangs in the balance.

Benefit of January's heavier rains short-lived

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

January's heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms may have meant some of the region exceeded its average rainfall, but it was a short-lived benefit for most, hydrologist Dave Stewart says.

Officer forced to defend himself

David Bruce — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +1300

For the second consecutive weekend, an Oamaru police officer was confronted by and forced to defend himself from passengers of a car pulled over for the driver to undertake a drink-driving test.

Bonamia still about, but oysters bounce back

Rebecca Fox — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Initial results from a pre-season survey of bonamia in Bluff oyster beds suggest the disease is still causing problems in some areas, but despite this the fishery is continuing to rebuild, a scientist says.